Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert W. Sprague
  • Medicinal aerosol products containing formulations of ciclesonide and related steroids
    Patent number: 6120752
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation suitable for oral and/or nasal inhalation including an anti-inflammatory steroid of the formula ##STR1## in which: R.sub.1 is 1-butyl, 2-butyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl andR.sub.2 is acetyl or isobutanoyl, in particular ciclesonide. The formulations also include hydrofluorocarbon propellants such as HFC 134a and/or 227, and cosolvent such as ethanol in an amount sufficient to solubilize the ciclesonide or related steroid (and various optional ingredients, such as surfactant). The formulations exhibit very desirable physical and chemical stability, as well as excellent delivery characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Byk Gulden Lomberg Chemische Fabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Martin J. Oliver, Kanu M. Fatania, John S. Scott, Helgert Muller
  • Bishydroxyureas
    Patent number: 6121323
    Abstract: Bishydroxyureas are provided that inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. These compounds have the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, A and M are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase using such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Bryon A. Merrill
  • Actuator system for spraying a formulation onto a host
    Patent number: 6113008
    Abstract: Actuator system is used to dispense a defined volume of a formulation from a pressurized vial. The system houses the vial in a receptacle of a base section that also includes a dispensing section (e.g., a funnel) through which the formulation is sprayed. The system includes a sleeve that fits over at least the vial and that can be pumped by the user to controllably spray the formulation from the vial onto the host animal. For instance, in a preferred mode of operation, the user places the system onto the host at the desired treatment site and then pushes or pulls down on the sleeve. This actuates a valve mechanism on the vial to spray an amount of the formulation through the dispensing section onto the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cathleen M. Arsenault, James A. Wilson, David J. Wirtanen
  • Oxazolo, thiazolo and selenazolo [4,5-c]-quinolin-4-amines and analogs thereof
    Patent number: 6110929
    Abstract: Thiazolo-, oxazolo- and selenazolo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines and analogs thereof are described including methods of manufacture and the use of novel intermediates. The compounds are immunomodulators and induce cytokine biosynthesis, including interferon and/or tumor biosynthesis, necrosis factor, and inhibit the T-helper-type 2 immune response. The compounds are further useful in the treatment of viral and neoplastic diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John F. Gerster, Kyle J. Lindstrom, Gregory J. Marszalek, Bryon A. Merrill, John W. Mickelson, Michael J. Rice
  • Ophthalmic drape with tear line and method
    Patent number: 6105579
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical drape and a method of applying the drape to a patient. The ophthalmic surgical drape is made from a sheet having an aperture in the interior of the sheet, and at least two tear lines in the sheet extending from the aperture. The drape also has a field of skin compatible adhesive adjacent the aperture, with the field being traversed by the tear lines so as to divide the field into at least two portions. The drape may be provided in a folded condition in which tearing can be accomplished so as to divide the drape into two sections before the drape is unfolded. Also disclosed are two tear lines disposed along an oblique angle, and a method of applying the drape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Yolla B. Levitt, Dennis L. Baker, Robert A. Davis, Camille M. Hildebrandt, Mary K. Reed
  • Repositionable sheets with a nonwoven web of pressure-sensitive adhesive fibers
    Patent number: 6107222
    Abstract: The present invention provides repositionable sheets having a backing and a layer of a nonwoven web thereon. The nonwoven web is prepared from fibers, which can be multilayer fibers, that include a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Joseph, Michael D. Crandall
  • Breathable backing for an adhesive article
    Patent number: 6107219
    Abstract: There is provided pressure-sensitive adhesive coated breathable nonwoven tape backing substrate where the nonwoven tape backing comprises a fibrous nonwoven web formed in part by multicomponent fibers having an adhesive component region. The multicomponent fibers are distributed throughout the width dimension of the nonwoven tape backing such that adhesive component region is exposed on both outer faces of the nonwoven tape backing. The adhesive component region is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive region formed by hot melt coextrusion of at least two components to form the multicomponent fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Joseph, Steven C. Stickels
  • Moving filter device having filter elements with flow passages and method of filtering air
    Patent number: 6102988
    Abstract: There is provided an air delivery device and method of moving and filtering air. The air delivery device comprises a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. Between the air inlet and the air outlet is located an air delivery fan having at least two rotating air moving elements, the rotating air moving elements intersects the flow of air between the air inlet and the air outlet and establishes a higher pressure zone at the air outlet relative to the air inlet. The air delivery fan further comprises at lest one filter element, having at least one upstream filter face and at least one downstream filter face, defining at least one primary flow channel, and rotating along the same axis of rotation as the air moving elements and preferably forming the air moving elements at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Yuan-Ming Tang, Ricardo Lira, Michael Harms
  • Multi-layered dressing
    Patent number: 6103369
    Abstract: A highly moisture vapor transmissive adhesive composite is disclosed comprising at least three layers, a polymeric backing layer, a high moisture vapor transmission layer, and a skin contacting adhesive layer. The high moisture vapor transmission layer may be made from a polymeric backing material, an adhesive material or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald H. Lucast, Steven B. Heinecke
  • Rotating filtration cartridge and blower for HVAC applications
    Patent number: 6099608
    Abstract: A filtration system that rotates in conjunction with a blower wheel, and a method of attaching the same. The blower wheel typically has a plurality of fan blades arranged in a spaced relationship radially around a blower cavity to define a flow path extending radially outward from the blower cavity through the fan blades when the blower wheel is rotating. The filtration system includes a filter cartridge releasably attachable to the blower wheel in an engaged configuration. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium defining a generally center opening and a filter surface configured to be positioned generally adjacent to the fan blades and to extend across at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, a plurality of flow passages extending through the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Harms, Yuan-Ming Tang, Ricardo Lira, James R. Larson
  • Moving sorbent filter device
    Patent number: 6099609
    Abstract: There is provided a moving sorbent filter within an air delivery device. The air delivery device has a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, between the air inlet and the air outlet is located an air delivery fan having at least two rotating air moving means. The rotating air moving means intersect the flow of air between the air inlet and the air outlet and establish a higher pressure zone at the air outlet relative to the air inlet. The air delivery fan further comprising a moving porous sorbent filter formed of at least one sorbent filter element. The sorbent filter has at least one air passage allowing substantially unimpeded airflow into and through the sorbent filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ricardo Lira, Yuan-Ming Tang, Michael Harms
  • Adsorbent for metal ions and method of making and using
    Patent number: 6093664
    Abstract: A method comprises the step of spray-drying a solution or slurry comprising (alkali metal or ammonium) (metal) hexacyanoferrate particles in a liquid, to provide monodisperse, substantially spherical particles in a yield of at least 70 percent of theoretical yield and having a particle size in the range of 1 to 500 micrometers, said particles being active towards Cs ions. The particles, which can be of a single salt or a combination of salts, can be used free flowing, in columns or beds, or entrapped in a nonwoven, fibrous web or matrix or a cast porous membrane, to selectively remove Cs ions from aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lloyd R. White, Susan H. Lundquist
  • Absorbent fibrous granules
    Patent number: 6092302
    Abstract: There is provided a cellulosic-based fiber granule with added non self-associating particulates or fibers. The resulting granule is free-flowing with a densified outer surface and is capable of removing substantially all oil or other fluids from a flat surface such as a floor. The granule is also capable of being incinerated by being formed substantially of organic materials. Cellulosic plant fibers form at least 10 percent up to 99 percent of the granule. There is also provided a method for forming the incineratable absorbent, free-flowing granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Berrigan
  • Film removal mechanism for use with a thermal drum processor system
    Patent number: 6091480
    Abstract: A film removal mechanism to aid in removing film from a thermal drum processor. The film removal mechanism includes a body having a thin, film removal edge, wherein the body extends longitudinally along the drum surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of drum rotation. At least a portion of the film removal edge contacts the drum surface. A mechanism is provided for coupling the body to the thermal drum processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James C. Vanous, Paul C. Schubert, Arnold J. Alderman
  • Stable hydroalcoholic compositions
    Patent number: 6090395
    Abstract: A hydroalcoholic lotion is disclosed which comprises (a) a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of about 35:65 to 100:0, and (b) between at least 0.5% and 8% by weight thickener system comprised of at least one emulsifier present in at least 0.05% by weight wherein the composition in a polymer free state has a viscosity of at least 4,000 centipoise at 23 degrees C. and wherein the emulsifier is comprised of at least one hydrophobic group and at least one hydrophilic group. The hydroalcoholic composition is useful as a hand preparation such as a lotion or as a presurgical scrub replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Asmus, Matthew T. Scholz, Jill R. Charpentier
  • Temporary display device
    Patent number: 6090461
    Abstract: A sheet material for mounting on a substrate such as a wall, and displaying an article such as a greeting card, comprising a film backing, a first repositionable adhesive coating on one surface, and a second repositionable coating on the other surface. The sheet material permits the article to be adhered to, repositioned on, and removed from the sheet material without removing the sheet material from the substrate to which it has been adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Frank, Charles A. Mathna
  • Drug delivery device
    Patent number: 6086911
    Abstract: Optically pure S(+) flurbiprofen, which is substantially free of the R(-) enantiomer, is a potent analgesic for relieving pain and inflammation in humans and animals. A method and composition is disclosed utilizing the optically pure S(+) enantiomer of flurbiprofen for treating pain and inflammation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kristin J. Godbey
  • 1H-imidazo[4,5-C]quinolin-4-amines as vaccine adjuvants
    Patent number: 6083505
    Abstract: An immunogen/vaccine adjuvant composition containing an immunogen in an amount effective to stimulate an immune response and as a vaccine adjuvant a 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine in an amount effective to increase the immune response to the immunogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Miller, Mark A. Tomai, David I. Bernstein, Christopher J. Harrison
  • Tape dispenser
    Patent number: D428922
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joy A. Packard, Wayne K. Dunshee
  • Solid phase extraction medium
    Patent number: RE36811
    Abstract: A method for isolating an environmentally hazardous organic contaminant from a fluid utilizes a solid phase extraction medium comprises a PTFE fibril matrix, and sorptive particles enmeshed in said matrix comprising more than 30 and up to 100 weight percent of porous organic particles, and less than 70 to 0 weight percent of porous (organic-coated or uncoated) inorganic particles, the ratio of sorptive particles to PTFE being in the range of 40:1 to 1:4 by weight. The extraction medium is useful in pesticide, phenolics, and residue of explosives separations. The separations can be efficiently performed in a stacked disk format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Craig G. Markell, Donald F. Hagen, James D. Luedtke